Dark Winds season 1: UK release date, cast, plot, trailer and everything we know

Zahn McClarnon as Joe Leaphorn in Dark Winds holding a hat in Dark Winds season 1
Zahn McClarnon as Joe Leaphorn in Dark Winds season 1. (Image credit: Michael Moriatis/Stalwart Productions/AMC)

Based on the popular book series by Tony Hillerman comes the new drama Dark Winds season 1. 

Hailed as a "noir thriller," the project follows two cops on their quest to discover the truth and solve a number of crimes occurring in a Navajo Nation community. While this series on the surface may sound like a run-of-the-mill crime procedural, based on the books, viewers can expect some supernatural elements at play. 

Speaking of supernatural elements, perhaps that was George R.R. Martin’s draw to sign onto the project as an executive producer. Martin is certainly no stranger to diving into the magical realm, having penned one of the most successful book series turned TV shows in history with Game of Thrones. Not to mention, he is also executive producing the forthcoming prequel, House of the Dragon

Another notable name holding the reins to Dark Winds is executive producer and show creator Graham Roland. Roland previously served as both a producer and writer on Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, The Returned, Mile 22 and Almost Human

Here’s everything we know about Dark Winds season 1...

Dark Winds season 1 release date  

UK viewers can finally enjoy Dark Winds season 1 as it lands on Alibi on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. The show will also be available as a box set on NOW, Virgin TV and Sky.

Dark Winds premiered in the US on AMC back in June 2022 and is still available to watch on AMC Plus and Max. Now

For those that may crave more Dark Winds after season 1, there is also a Dark Winds season 2 available for viewers in the US. The Dark Winds season 2 finale aired on AMC on Sunday, September 3, 2023, and it is still available to stream on AMC Plus.

Dark Winds season 1 plot 

AMC describes the Dark Winds plot as the following: 

"Set in 1971 on a remote outpost of the Navajo Nation near Monument Valley, Dark Winds follows Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn of the Tribal Police as he is besieged by a series of seemingly unrelated crimes. The closer he digs to the truth, the more he exposes the wounds of his past. He is joined on this journey by his new deputy, Jim Chee. Chee too has old scores to settle from his youth on the reservation. Together, the two men battle the forces of evil, each other and their own personal demons on the path to salvation."

Dark Winds season 1 cast 

Kiowa Gordon as Jim Chee talking to Zahn McClarnon as Joe Leaphorn in Dark Winds

Kiowa Gordon as Jim Chee. (Image credit: AMC)

The Dark Winds’ cast is spearheaded by Zahn McClarnon and Kiowa Gordon. McClarnon has previously starred in Westworld, Doctor Sleep and Reservation Dogs. Gordon, on the other hand, is probably best known for his work in Roswell, New Mexico, as well as Reservation Dogs

In exciting news for The Office fans, Rainn Wilson is also featured in the cast. For nine seasons, Wilson gained notoriety for playing the always comical Dwight Schrute in the US sitcom. Although Dark Winds is slated as a drama, we somehow can’t help but hope that we get to see glimpses of the paper supplier character in this new series. 

Rounding out the rest of the main cast are the following:   

  • Jessica Matten (Frontier)
  • Noah Emmerich (Space Force)  
  • Eugene Brave Rock (That Dirty Black Bag)
  • Elva Guerra (Reservation Dogs) 
  • Deanna Allison
  • Rob Tepper

Dark Winds trailer 

Something about the desert scene in the video clip combined with the fact this is an AMC show that takes us back to the good ole Breaking Bad days.  

Has Dark Winds been renewed for season 2? 

Yes! Dark Winds season 2 aired in the US this summer, with the whole season now available to stream on AMC Plus. We will update this guide once we know when the second season is coming to the UK.

How to watch Dark Winds 

Dark Winds is an AMC original series. Those hoping to recap the show in the US can watch the drama unfold on AMC Plus. Season 1 is also temporarily on Max. 

Don’t have traditional cable? No worries, as AMC is accessible on multiple live TV streaming services including Sling TV, Fubo TV and YouTube TV. Additionally, the series will be available to stream via AMC Plus. 

Terrell Smith

Terrell Smith has a diverse writing background having penned material for a wide array of clients including the federal government and Bravo television personalities.  When he’s not writing as Terrell, he’s writing under his pseudonym Tavion Scott, creating scripts for his audio drama podcasts. Terrell is a huge fan of great storytelling when it comes to television and film. Some of his favorite shows include The CrownWandaVision, Abbot Elementary and Godfather of HarlemAnd a fun fact is he's completely dialed into the TLC 90 Day Fiancé universe.